What is the correct approach for a nurse who observes a client with acute symptoms of anxiety?

Encouraging the client to talk about their anxiety openly is the correct approach because it creates a safe and supportive environment for the client to express their feelings. Open communication allows the nurse to gather important information about the client's experiences and the specific triggers of their anxiety, which can help in tailoring an effective intervention. This approach fosters trust and can help the client feel validated and understood, promoting emotional processing and potentially reducing feelings of isolation or distress.

Discussing anxiety openly also enables the nurse to assess the severity of the symptoms, identify coping mechanisms the client may already have, and collaboratively develop strategies for managing their anxiety. By providing the client with a space to articulate their fears and feelings, the nurse empowers them to take a more active role in their care, which is fundamental in psychosocial nursing practice.